For French Under 25 Grand Prix rider Corentin Pottier the 2017 CDI Saumur competition did not finish the way he expected. On Friday night 28 April, his horse Gotcha injured himself in the stall and was transported to the equine clinic.
At the 2017 CDI Saumur, Corentin and Gotcha had already competed in the Under 25 division on Thursday and Friday. In a field of six competitors the pair finished sixth in the Inter II with 66.009% and fourth in the Short Grand Prix with 66.085%. However, on Friday night Pottier's 15-year old Hanoverian gelding jumped the door of his box and injured himself
"Besides many scratches on his legs and a broken tooth, he has two deep cuts on his hindlegs although he was wearing stable boots," Pottier told Eurodressage. "After over an hour spent with the official show vet, it was decided those injuries requested serious medical attention. The horse could be transported to the clinic Grosbois closer to our home."
After four days in the equine clinic, Gotcha was allowed to return home for rehabilitation.
"He has received the necessary antibiotic treatment and no surgery was required," said Corentin. "The horse is back in his stable now and still under medical care."
Gotcha (by Goethe x Calypso II) is bred by Bernhard Sieverding. The Pottier family acquired him from Julia Chevanne in 2011. Corentin and Gotcha represented France at the 2013 and 2014 European Young Riders Championships and 2016 European Under 25 Championships.
Pottier is not yet sure when his horse can go back in training, but he's hopeful for the future.
"We have not yet discussed this matter with the vets as the priority was to keep him safe," he said. "There has been no complications so far. We are hoping he will be back in top shape soon."
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Gotcha
Scores: 2017 CDI Saumur
French Team for 2016 European Under 25 Championships Announced
Pinto, Chevanne, Ducos Blanchet, Judet Cheret Win 2015 French Youth Riders Championships